Cilantro Lime Rice Side (Printable)

Fluffy rice infused with fresh cilantro and zesty lime, perfect alongside grilled or Mexican-inspired meals.

# What You Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Flavorings

05 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Rinse rice under cold running water until water runs clear.
02 - Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and sauté 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly translucent.
03 - Add water and salt to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in butter if using, lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro until evenly combined.
06 - Serve warm as a side for tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It transforms plain rice into something that steals the spotlight
  • The bright flavors make everything on the plate taste better
02 -
  • Lifting the lid while it simmers lets steam escape and leads to undercooked rice
  • Zest the lime before juicing it or you will struggle to get the zest off a squeezed fruit
03 -
  • Use room temperature liquid when you start cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom
  • Let the zest sit in the juice for a few minutes before adding to maximize flavor infusion
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